Diaspora Account - Frequently Asked Questions

The Diaspora Banking Account is a platform that allows Nigerians living and working outside the country to maintain transactional accounts and perform domestic and foreign transfers through their accounts with Access bank.
All Nigerians living legitimately in the Diaspora are eligible to open the account
The following documents are required to open an Diaspora Banking  account:
  • Proof of Identity: A notarized/sighted copy of any one (1) of the following Identification:A valid Nigerian passport
    • A valid International/foreign passport – supported by proof of Nigerian origin (Birth certificate, expired/valid Nigerian passport or driver’s license, etc)
    • A valid Nigerian driver’s license
  • Passport Photographs:
    • Current Accounts – 2 copies
    • Savings Accounts – 1 copy
  • Proof of Residential Address: A notarized/sighted copy of any one (1) of the following:
    • Duly filled Banker's Confirmation
    • Copy of utility bill issued within the last three months showing the same address as supplied.
    • Bank/Credit statement issued within the last three months showing customer address
  • References: Two acceptable references using either of the following options:
  • Option 1:
    • An independent reference letter obtained from current bankers (foreign) and
    • A signed reference form by an Attestor of Nigerian origin who maintains a current account with a Nigerian Bank.
  • Option 2:
    • Two signed reference forms by Attestors of Nigerian origin who maintain a current account with a Nigerian Bank.
    • Indemnity: Duly executed indemnity form  (for Email, Fax and Scanned Copy)
  • For Joint accounts: A notarized copy of marriage certificate is also required along with all other necessary documents as stated above.
All identification documents, Bank or Credit Card statement issued within the last three-months, and utility bills (if foreign) must be notarized by a notary public.
The below stated electronic channels are available to the Diaspora Account customer:
  • Card services:
    • Visa Card (USD denominated)
    • With the Access Bank Visa card the Diaspora Account customer enjoys:
    • Accessibility – The customer enjoys 24 hours 7days access to funds from over from about 2.2 million ATMs worldwide
    • Global acceptance - Can be used to pay for goods and services in about 35 million locations worldwide (hotels, supermarkets, petrol stations, etc) in 210 countries and across other channels such as the Internet
    • Safety – the card  uses  Chip & PIN technology to safeguard against unauthorized transactions
  • Internet Banking:
The Diaspora customer with an internet banking password can do the following via the Access Bank Internet Banking platfom
  • View real time account balances and track up-to-the minute transactions on their accounts
    • Set up a standing order instruction to transfer funds to other accounts within Access Bank and other Banks in Nigeria (Direct debit).
    • Transfer funds to beneficiaries with Access Bank accounts or accounts in other banks via NEFT
    • Confirm cheques online and such confirmations are automatically registered on the Banking Application
    • Request for cheque books
    • Print Statement of account in PDF format or export to MS Excel format
    • PIN change: Users can change their login PIN (password) at any time
Yes they still have to get the documents notarized
Yes, they can
No, the Diaspora Banking service is offered only to individuals and not to businesses. However, the customer will be referred to the Business Banking Team.

A Diaspora Banking customer can access the following products and services:
  • Diaspora Savings Account (Naira)
  • Diaspora Current Account (Naira)
  • Diaspora Domiciliary Account (Pounds, Euros, Dollars Yen)
Diaspora banking account opening documentation should be submitted through the following means:
  • Scanned copies to be sent via email to  sandip@accessbankplc.com and
  • Original copies to be sent to Diaspora Banking Team, 1665, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Access Bank plc Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

 
Yes, using our electronic banking platform: Internet banking with the aid of the secure Token device, the Diaspora Banking customer can transfer money to:
  • Beneficiaries who have Access Bank accounts
  • Beneficiaries who have accounts with other Banks.
 
Yes, local and foreign cheques and dividend warrants can be lodged into the customer’s Diaspora Current and Diaspora Domiciliary account through any of the Bank’s branches in Nigeria.
Yes, a Diaspora Banking customer can transfer a fixed amount of money regularly to beneficiaries in Nigeria by setting up a standing order instruction (Direct debit) on Internet banking to the following:
  • Beneficiaries with Access Bank account
  • Beneficiaries with accounts in other banks in Nigeria
All Nigerians who reside outside the country for more than 180 days in a years
There are no monthly maintenance charges on the Diaspora Banking Accounts
The minimum opening balance for the products are:
  • Diaspora Savings: N1,500
  • Diaspora Currency Account: 10,000
  • Diaspora Domiciliary Account: 100, $100 & Euro 100
The minimum daily balance is zero
No. This is not necessary.
The diaspora banking team does not open accounts. Their responsibility is to co-ordinate this function.  CDMS will now be responsible for opening all Diaspora accounts
No. We do not want to limit our customers to certain individuals. Every registered notary public is part of an association and this can easily be confirmed from their website.
A soft token can be downloaded by the customer.
The customer makes this payment
This is verified by the product Mgr. at the head office. This can also be confirmed by looking up the notary public's name on their website
No. Only married customers can open a diaspora account